The three line graphs illustrate the value of Australian trade with China, Japan, and the United States between 2004 and 2009. Overall, trade with China experienced significant growth, whereas trade with Japan and the United States remained relatively stable, with imports consistently exceeding exports in the latter two cases.
Regarding China, both imports and exports rose steadily. Imports grew from A$18 billion in 2004 to A$31 billion by 2009. Exports saw a more dramatic increase, starting at A$12 billion and overtaking imports in 2009 to reach A$35 billion. This highlights a shift in the trade balance between the two nations.
In contrast, trade with Japan and the United States showed less volatility. For Japan, exports fluctuated, peaking at A$42 billion in 2008 before dropping to A$31 billion in 2009, while imports remained flat, hovering around A$20 billion. Similarly, trade with the United States was dominated by imports, which peaked at A$26 billion in 2008. Exports to the US remained low throughout the period, never exceeding A$14 billion, indicating a persistent trade deficit with the United States compared to the rapidly evolving trade relationship with China.